Rayne walked around her house to the backyard, searching in vain for her friend.

“BOO!!!!!!!”

Rayne screamed and turned around. She found Taylor in front of her, a big smile on his face.
Rayne gave him a look and punched his shoulder.

“I TOLD you not to do that!” she exclaimed.

“OW!” Taylor said, rubbing his shoulder. “That hurt!”

“Good,” Rayne said. “You deserved it.”

The two six year olds walked across the front yard and sat down on Rayne’s front stoop. Rayne’s
mother, Amy, appeared at the front door, holding the newest addition to the Fields family, Joseph
Patrick, who was 3 months old.

“What are you kids up to?” she asked, stepping onto the front porch.

“Nothing Mommy,” Rayne said. “We’re bored. Will you take us to the park?”

“Oh not today sweetheart,” Amy said. “Maybe tomorrow, okay?”

“All right,” Rayne said in a disappointed voice.

“You guys want some juice?” Amy asked.

“Sure,” Taylor and Rayne said in unison, and stood up.

“Maybe I can find some cookies for you too,” Amy said, a smile playing on her lips.

“YEAH!” Taylor said.

“C’mon Tay,” Rayne said, grabbing his hand and pulling him inside.

Rayne and Taylor sat at the kitchen table, tall glasses of juice in front of them, and a plate of
oatmeal cookies in the center of the table. Rayne reached over and took a cookie.

“Thanks for the cookies and juice Mommy,” she said before stuffing the cookie in her mouth.